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A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

Educational Value

A few words in Finnish. Different forms of government and the advantages and disadvantages of each briefly discussed.

Positive Messages

Real love helps you handle life's disappointments and challenges, so don't be afraid of it. You should be with the person who makes you feel "singular and sacred" every single second. Happiness and love could be anywhere, in the thing you're most afraid of or in what feels most comfortable; you never know, so don't overlook it, and don't be afraid to take a chance.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Eadlyn is a smart, strong young woman who's willing to sacrifice her own happiness to save her family and her country. She strives to be inclusive and thoughtful of others' needs and thinks of creative solutions to problems. Her parents are loving and supportive, and a small number of close friends and advisors also help with the big decisions. The half-dozen suitors are all very gentlemanly and respectful of Eadlyn when she's in a difficult position.

Violence

Sex

A few boy-girl kisses, no descriptions. A past same-sex kiss mentioned, and same-sex love is a small plot point. "Baby making" mentioned.

Language

"Ass," "damn" once each.

Consumerism

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Older teens or young adults, whose ages aren't specified but who are presumably of age in the future setting, drink wine several times socially but not to excess. Past mention of a bad guy who gave wine to his wife until she passed out. A man smells of tobacco.

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that The Crown is the fifth installment in the Selection series by Kiera Cass. It picks up right where The Heir left off, and even though reading the previous books isn't strictly necessary to enjoy this fantasy romance, it will be easier to follow and more deeply enjoyed by fans of the series. There's no violence other than mention of past rebellion and current unrest. Sexual content is very mild, with a few kisses not described in detail. "Ass" and "damn" appear once each. Eadlyn is a good role model, always treating others well, thinking creatively, keeping her country's best interests above herself, and finding the courage to trust her heart.

What's the story?

A family crisis means that Princess Eadlyn suddenly has to take on the burden of THE CROWN all on her own. But she's also right in the midst of choosing her future husband in a televised contest called a Selection. To keep the Selection manageable, she overnight whittles the 35 contestants down to six Elite finalists. Each of the Elite has something unique to offer and would make a good husband, but Eadlyn doesn't feel a real spark with any of them. To keep her country and her family from falling apart at the seams, she'll have to learn whom she can trust, how to handle betrayal, and the real value of true love.

Is it any good?

Fans of Kiera Cass' Selection series will be happy with the payoff that comes in this fifth installment, which picks up right where The Heir left off. In many ways, the circle begun with the first book is closing, and romance-fantasy fans will enjoy rooting for Eadlyn as she assumes her place in history. Intrigue and the problems of governing are more at the forefront of this installment, although there are still plenty of dashing young men hoping to be the next prince consort. Eadlyn's interactions with them take a back seat to the burdens of governing, but fans will still sigh along as Eadlyn finds her true love and faces an impossible choice.

Readers new to the series may be baffled by the absence of any background about the world the story inhabits and by the large cast of characters -- wait, who is Josie again? But fans of the series will enjoy picking up where they left off and the fact that there's plenty of room for more romance and intrigue in Eadlyn's future.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about the Selection series. Have you read all the books? How does The Crown compare? What are your favorite series, and why?

How is Eadlyn as a heroine, especially compared with America, if you've read the earlier books? Are there ways you wish you could be like her? If you were the author, what kind of heroine would you create?

Eadlyn struggles with her public image. How do you think other people see you? Do you think they're right? It's really important to celebrities and politicians, but does it really matter for the rest of us?

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